Many drivers now get cheap fuel from neighboring countries. But that can cause trouble with customs.
The high fuel prices have been criticized as a “rip-off” and are causing problems for German drivers. If you live near the border, you may travel abroad to fill up your tank and save money.
Fuel in Poland is currently around 40 cents cheaper than in Germany, which is why Brandenburgers sometimes line up at the gas stations across the border. This also calls for customs because there are strict rules!
In Germany it is in principle permitted up to 240 liters of fuel in canisters A maximum of 60 liters each can be carried in the car. However, anyone who takes such quantities across the border faces severe penalties.
There have been several days Samples at border crossings nationwidereveals customs spokeswoman Lisa Pörschmann to the “Märkische Allgemeine Zeitung”. The following applies:
- You can bring your own tank of fuel to Germany without paying customs duties
- In addition, only 20 liters of fuel in a reserve canister are duty-free (for EU countries)
- You are only allowed to bring an additional ten liters of fuel from third countries
It doesn’t matter whether you take the fuel with you for your own use! For safety reasons, the ADAC only recommends an extra ten liters in the trunk, as highly flammable fumes can escape from the canisters.
But how much fuel can you actually store at home if you travel abroad several times to refuel?
This is how much fuel you can store at home
Storing the fuel you plan to take home with you is also important. Although you are allowed to transport up to 240 liters within Germany, you are allowed to transport it in a small garage with an area of up to 100 square meters only 200 liters of diesel or 20 liters of gasoline be kept!
Theoretically, 20 liters of gasoline can also be stored in the basement, but these rooms must be suitable for this. This maximum value applies to the entire basement area, not to individual compartments. This becomes problematic in buildings with many tenants.
It therefore makes no sense for petrol vehicles to take more than a 20 liter canister from the neighboring country. The potential savings are not that great, especially when traveling longer distances.
Owners of diesel vehicles should also do so due to the increased controls no risk of customs penalties. According to lawyer Ulli Herbert Boldt the punishment is enough “From fines to prison sentences of up to five years, and in particularly serious cases even more.” The vehicle could also be temporarily confiscated.
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